Research on hormone therapy and its effects. Covers menopause symptom relief, bronchiectasis risk, dementia links, and Alzheimer's risk.
A study of over 1,300 women found that entering menopause at a later age was associated with better verbal memory skills. After adjusting for other factors, the researchers found a small but significant difference in memory scores, recalling an average of 0.09 additional words per year.
Researchers at NYITCOM propose thyroid hormone therapy as a safe and effective alternative to beta blockers for patients who cannot tolerate these medications. The study found that thyroid hormone treatment improved heart function, reduced infarction size, and enhanced vessel function.
A new study published in PNAS demonstrates that a novel hormone replacement therapy can improve cognitive function and working memory capacity in patients with adrenal insufficiency. The therapy involves replicating the natural secretion patterns of cortisol, resulting in better outcomes compared to traditional constant infusion methods.
Estrogen supplementation may prevent type 2 diabetes incidence by regulating glucagon and GLP1 hormones, according to a new study published in JCI Insight. The research highlights the protective role of oestrogens on type 2 diabetes incidence, particularly in post-menopausal women.
A six-year study of 24 transgender men treated with testosterone therapy found no rise in estrogen levels and a later stabilization within normal ranges. The results support the safety of testosterone therapy for transgender men without additional risks to female reproductive tissues.
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that menopausal hormone therapy users tend to have less abdominal fat tissue than other menopausal women. The protective effect disappeared rapidly after treatment stopped.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that estradiol therapy via skin patches maintained brain volume and reduced amyloid plaque deposits in women. Meanwhile, estrogen pills caused greater structural changes in the brain, which stopped once treatment was stopped.
New mouse studies show that tamoxifen and raloxifene improve cardiac, respiratory, and skeletal muscle functions while increasing bone density in muscular dystrophy models. The treatments delay or halt disease progression, reducing muscle pathology and inflammation.
A large population-based study found that patients on levothyroxine had lower quality of life and more comorbidity than those not taking the hormone. The study also showed that comorbidity had a greater negative impact on the quality of life of LT4 users.
A clinical trial found that vaginal estrogen tablets, moisturizers, and a placebo gel all improved vaginal discomfort symptoms. However, the study suggests that better treatment options are needed for postmenopausal women, who experience significant quality-of-life effects from these symptoms.
Immunotherapy has shown promising results in treating metastatic breast cancer, with a median progression-free survival of 33 months and median overall survival of 82 months. The treatment has been found to improve PFS and OS in both luminal and non-luminal subtypes, offering new hope for patients with this incurable disease.
The study found that nearly half of the wives reported that their partner's health problem affected their own health, with many feeling increasingly socially isolated. The women also expressed concerns about the role change in their relationship as their husbands became less able to fulfill their usual roles.
The Endocrine Society has released updated guidelines for testosterone prescribing practices, recommending reserving therapy for men with well-documented hypogonadism. The guidelines also suggest individualizing treatment decisions for older men and avoiding routine testing for healthy men.
A new class of experimental drugs has been found to reduce hot flushes in menopausal women by almost three-quarters within three days. The treatment also improves sleep and concentration significantly. The compound works by blocking the action of a brain chemical called neurokinin B, which triggers hot flushes.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that menopausal hormone therapy is not associated with adverse changes in cardiac structure and function, but may be linked to some healthier heart characteristics. The research examined 1,604 post-menopausal women and found significantly smaller left ventricular and left atrial chamber volumes.
A recent study published in Endocrine Practice found that only a quarter of transgender women could lower their testosterone levels within the female range using spironolactone and estrogen therapy. The researchers identified four groups with varying degrees of testosterone suppression, highlighting the need for further studies to unde...
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have identified a specific mechanism by which estrogen receptor-positive breast cancers become resistant to standard therapies and metastasize. DNA mutations in the estrogen receptor gene cause tumors to grow even without estrogen, leading to treatment-resistant disease.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital have identified unique stroke risk factors in women, including early age of menarche, low levels of dehydroepiandrosterone hormone, and oral estrogen use. The study emphasizes the need for clinicians to consider these factors, particularly in women with a history of pregnancy complications.
The Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium has published the first-ever clinical practice guideline for using CYP2D6 genotype to guide tamoxifen therapy in women with early-stage estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. The guidelines recommend alternative hormonal therapies based on CYP2D6 genotype, aiming to improve tre...
Researchers have discovered a link between male sex hormone levels and vitamin D metabolism that may be targeted to treat osteoporosis in men undergoing prostate cancer therapy. Progesterone receptor blockers could enhance the effectiveness of vitamin D supplements, reducing bone fracture risks.
Researchers identified a guardian molecule triggered by testosterone that protects males from disease. Treatment with the molecule eliminated symptoms in female mice, offering hope for new MS therapies.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh identified a key protein driving repair of the womb lining during menstruation, which is reduced in women with heavy periods. Boosting levels of this protein shows promise as a novel, non-hormonal treatment to reduce blood loss and improve tissue repair.
A Yale-led study reveals the intricate mechanism of beta-Klotho, a protein that regulates longevity and metabolism. The findings could lead to therapies for diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers.
A study found that hormone therapy can alleviate eating disorder symptoms in transgender individuals, particularly those who identify as female. The research, which analyzed over 560 patients, suggests that hormone treatment improves body satisfaction and reduces perfectionism, anxiety, and depression.
A year-long hormone therapy was more effective than placebo in preventing the onset of depressive symptoms among women without depression during menopause transition and early postmenopause. Women with recent stressful life events showed the greatest mood benefit from hormone therapy.
Researchers found that estrogen treatment exerts positive effects on immune cells in the brain and oligodendrocytes, providing complementary actions that protect against MS damage. Estrogen's protective effect is mediated by protein ERb, targeting both cell types for disease prevention.
Researchers discovered that a hormone therapy combination of conjugated estrogens and bazedoxifene improves metabolism, prevents weight gain, and reduces inflammation in the liver. The treatment also showed no increased risk of reproductive cancer.
Researchers have identified a potential therapeutic target for aggressive breast cancer cells lacking estrogen receptor alpha, but expressing estrogen receptor beta. Estrogen or estrogen-like chemicals can slow tumor growth and even cause regression in these cells, which could lead to new treatment options.
The USPSTF has updated its recommendation statement on the use of hormone therapy in postmenopausal women, citing uncertain evidence on whether menopause increases the risk of chronic conditions. The organization recommends against combined estrogen and progestin hormone therapy or estrogen alone for primary prevention.
A Phase III trial led by MD Anderson Cancer Center found that talazoparib, a PARP inhibitor, extends progression-free survival and improves quality-of-life measures for patients with metastatic HER2-negative breast cancer and BRCA1/2 mutations. Talazoparib was associated with a 46% lower risk of progression compared to chemotherapy.
Researchers developed lab-engineered ovaries that improve bone and uterine health, body composition, and are more effective than hormone drugs in an animal model. The treatment could provide a safer, more natural alternative to hormone replacement medications.
A Yale-led study shows that thyroid hormone therapy significantly resolves fibrosis in the lungs of mice, leading to increased survival. The researchers found that normalizing mitochondria function in epithelial cells protects them from damage and allows resolution of fibrosis.
A new article reviews options for treating genitourinary syndrome of menopause, including low-dose vaginal estrogen therapy and pelvic floor physical therapy. Despite the availability of effective treatments, lack of awareness among healthcare providers and patients hinders reaching women with this condition.
Postmenopausal hormone therapy is not linked to increased risk of stroke if initiated within five years of menopausal onset. However, there may be an increased risk for haemorrhagic stroke with certain therapies containing conjugated equine oestrogens.
A protein called tyrosine kinase 6 (PTK6) has been identified as a potential therapeutic target for estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer. PTK6 promotes cancer cell survival and growth in ER+ breast cancer cells, making it a promising avenue for developing new treatments.
A new study supports the view that increased lifetime exposure to estrogen is linked to a reduced risk of developing glaucoma. Women who took estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy after ovary removal had a lower risk of developing glaucoma.
A recent study found that women who stopped taking bisphosphonates for over two years had a substantially increased risk of hip fractures compared to those who continued their treatment. The study, which analyzed data from 156,236 women, showed that the longer the duration of the drug holiday, the higher the risk of hip fracture.
Researchers found that combining targeted drugs with hormone therapy results in a significant increase in the risk of severe or life-threatening adverse events. Most of these side effects are treatable and potentially preventable.
A new USC-led study suggests that estrogen treatment after menopause can mitigate the negative effects of stress on working memory. Women taking estrogen-only therapy had lower cortisol levels and better performed on tests following exposure to stress compared to those receiving a placebo.
A small-scale study suggests estrogen treatment after menopause can protect working memory needed for short-term cognitive tasks from the effects of stress. Women who received estrogen therapy performed better on memory tasks regardless of stress exposure.
A recent study examined the impact of scheduling IVF procedures on weekends versus weekdays. The results showed that delays of two days or longer may be unfavorable in some treatments, but may not affect live-birth rates for most IVF/ICSI treatments receiving single-embryo transfer.
Scientists are learning how too little body fat damages the cardiovascular system, similar to obesity. Leptin replacement therapy shows promise in reducing cardiovascular risk and improving metabolic function in individuals with congenital lipodystrophy and other conditions.
A new study found that insurance disparities account for a substantial proportion of the excess risk of death from breast cancer faced by black women. Improving access to care could address much of the existing black/white disparity in breast cancer mortality.
A new study analyzing Women's Health Initiative (WHI) data found no significant association between migraines and cardiovascular disease events, or an increased risk of heart disease with hormone therapy. Hormone therapy remains a viable treatment option for menopause symptoms in women with migraines.
A new study confirms that postmenopausal women prefer less proven options to hormone therapy for treating debilitating symptoms like hot flashes. Women are more willing to use exercise and herbal supplements over hormone therapy, despite acknowledging its effectiveness.
Compounded bioidentical hormone therapies are not FDA-approved, lack quality control, and have the same risks as FDA-approved hormone therapy products. Women often unknowingly choose these over FDA-approved options due to misconceptions about safety and efficacy.
Theranostics combines predictive biomarkers and precise therapy to target cancer cells, minimizing side effects. The field is expected to change nuclear medicine from 'nuclear radiology' to true 'nuclear medicine,' with potential for cures.
The Endocrine Society provides guidelines for treating gender-dysphoric individuals, emphasizing the importance of multidisciplinary teams and informed consent. The recommended treatment includes hormone therapy to suppress sex hormone secretion and maintain normal levels for the person's affirmed gender.
A new study led by Brigham and Women's Hospital found no association between hormone therapy and all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, or other major illnesses. However, younger women who received hormone therapy showed a trend toward reduced mortality rates compared to older women.
Long-term follow-up of postmenopausal women using hormone therapy found no association with overall or cause-specific mortality. The study, published in JAMA, analyzed data from the Women's Health Initiative trials and included over 27,000 participants.
A new study found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can slow the decline in lung function in middle-aged women. Women who took long-term HRT performed better in lung function tests than those who never took HRT, losing an average of 46 ml less of lung volume over 20 years.
The MONARCH 3 trial showed that adding abemaciclib to endocrine therapy improved progression-free survival compared to endocrine therapy alone. Around one-third of women may not need a CDK 4/6 inhibitor as initial treatment.
The STAMPEDE trial presents late-breaking results from two new treatments for patients with high risk prostate cancer. Patients starting long-term hormone therapy may benefit equally from docetaxel and abiraterone acetate plus prednisolone, with both treatments providing a survival advantage over standard care alone.
Researchers found that anti-hormone therapy can activate DNA repair enzyme PARP, causing cancer cells to become more aggressive. Combining PARP inhibitors with anti-hormone therapy treatment may help reduce prostate cancer recurrence and increase survival rates.
A study found that transdermal estrogen therapy improved sexual function in early postmenopausal women, but oral conjugated equine estrogens did not show the same benefits. The treatment also reduced pain and increased lubrication compared to placebo.
A comprehensive review highlights the importance of lifestyle modifications and emerging approaches to manage menopausal symptoms after breast cancer. Non-pharmacologic therapies and several promising emerging agents show promise for symptom relief with reduced breast cancer risk.
A recent study found that tumor-infiltrating immune cells, specifically regulatory T cells (Tregs), can interfere with immune-targeting therapies in aggressive breast cancers. Depleting Tregs delayed tumor growth in mouse models, suggesting a potential strategy to improve targeted treatments.
A new study published in Menopause found that vaginal estrogen therapy does not increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, or other health issues in post-menopausal women. The research suggests that vaginal estrogen is a safe treatment for genitourinary symptoms associated with menopause.
A new study shows significant improvement in sexual and urinary function as well as quality of life for hypogonadal men undergoing long-term testosterone replacement therapy. Testosterone therapy is found to increase bladder emptying, improve erectile/sexual health and overall quality of life.
Teriparatide therapy increases osteoblast activity and lifespan, but stopping treatment leads to increased fat cell formation in mice. This suggests therapies targeting parathyroid hormone receptors may prioritize osteoblast development over other cell fates.